Field fire destroys tractor, baler and straw crop

3 hours ago

Katy Prickett

BBC News, Norfolk

The John Deere 6170 was completely destroyed in the blaze, which took hold extremely fast in the dry conditions

Judith Taylor A burnout and blackened tractor in a field with smoke rising from its body. In front of it is the back view of a firefighter in a yellow helmet, with a yellow hose held behind their back by their left hand and drawn around to the front of their body. Blackened stubble can just be seen. — The John Deere 6170 was completely destroyed in the blaze, which took hold extremely fast in the dry conditions

Firefighters have tackled a blaze in field which rapidly destroyed a tractor, as well as up to four acres (1.6 hectares) of straw.

Crews from four stations were called to Tuttington, near Aylsham, Norfolk, just before 14:00 BST.

Farmer Nick Taylor said: "The driver spotted the fire and tried to unhook the trailer from the tractor but unfortunately it was too hot and within minutes the tractor was well alight."

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the fire, which began in a straw baler, was extinguished just after 15:30.

The fire began in a straw baler, used to turn straw into bales

Judith Taylor A firefighter racking out a fire in a field beside a smouldering straw bailer and burnt out tractor. Smoke is rising in front of the farm equipment and there is a small blaze. The field has yellow straw stubble. The sky is blue with white clouds. — The fire began in a straw baler, used to turn straw into bales

Mr Taylor had lent his tractor to another farmer, so "unfortunately it caught fire in somebody else's field", he added.

Two neighbouring farmers quickly ploughed around the edges of the field to help prevent the fire's spread to nearby high voltage cables, he said.

"It's only a tractor and baler in the end and no one was injured," he added.

Tractor owner Nick Taylor reckoned three to four acres (1.2 to 1.6 hectares) of straw, as well as straw bales, were also destroyed in the blaze

Judith Taylor A blackened field with two piles of straw which are ablaze and smoke rising. Behind the smoke is a fire engine and several firefighters. — Tractor owner Nick Taylor reckoned three to four acres (1.2 to 1.6 hectares) of straw, as well as straw bales, were also destroyed in the blaze

A fire service spokesperson said: "Appliances from Aylsham, Sprowston, North Walsham and Cromer, alongside the tactical response vehicle from North Walsham and Reepham and the water carrier from Hethersett, attended a fire in the open on Tuttington Road.

"Hose reel, jets, hand appliances and beaters were used to extinguish the fire."